HOV Violation Enforcement Happening On I-66 Express Lanes Over 2 Days

VIRGINIA — Enforcement will be stepped up to catch violators of HOV rules on the Interstate 66 Express Lanes outside the Beltway. Virginia State Police will be conducting the HOV violations enforcement Thursday and Friday.

The I-66 Express Lanes, which opened late in 2022 between the Capital Beltway and University Boulevard in Gainesville, have high occupancy vehicle-3 restrictions. That means to avoid paying a toll on the Express Lanes, vehicles must have at least three people and an EZ Pass Flex turned to HOV mode.

Standard passenger vehicles who have less than three people have to pay a toll 24 hours a day. Tolls are dynamically priced based on traffic conditions and demand.

According to the I-66 Express Mobility Partners, the Express Lanes operator, "HOV violations harm all drivers by adding to traffic in the 66 Express and increasing toll rates. Higher traffic volumes result in higher toll prices and slower travel, impacting all users of the roadway."

HOV violations can result in a $125 fine for the first offense, $250 for a second offense within five years, $500 for a third offense within five years and $1,000 for a fourth offense within five years.

The Virginia Department of Transportation mandates the HOV-3 restrictions on I-66 outside and inside the Beltway. VDOT changed the HOV rules from two people in a vehicle to three in early December 2022. HOV rules and tolls apply to I-66 inside the Beltway during peak morning hours in the eastbound direction and peak evening hours in the westbound direction.